![GREENHOUSE ACADEMY cover image GREENHOUSE ACADEMY cover image](https://www.kidsfirst.org/kidsfirst/images/db/titles/218256.jpg)
The pace is good. It is well produced with good visuals, sound and cinematography. The storyline is a bit cheesy, but I am hoping that there will be an interesting rivalry develop between the two houses, similar to what happens in Harry Potter houses. We will have to see how that all rolls out. I recommend Greenhouse Academy for ages 10 to 15 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. It makes a great addition to any film festival looking for programming for tweens and teens. Reviewed by Angel U., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
From reading the synopsis, I know that two siblings (brother and sister) are enrolled at the Greenhouse Academy after their mother dies, are placed in competing houses within the school and become rivals. Mysterious events draw them into a secret investigation where they uncover a plot to destroy the planet which, of course, they must band together to thwart. None of that happens in this episodes however. We just see them at the school, trying to fit in and the girl drops out to go home and be with her dad.
The cinematography is very good and the actors are quite believable. They come across as authentic. As for the storyline, this episodes drives it forward, but as a stand alone, it falls short. The writing is contemporary with pretty realistic teen dialogue. The dad seems like he's a bit of a loser. His grief over losing his wife overshadows any authentic connection with his kids. He dresses like a slob and looks pretty unkempt. After an encounter with his daughter, he expresses his desire to get his life back on track but, it's rather an abrupt change which time will reveal whether or not its successful. The most appealing thing of this show is the cinematography and the technology is exceptionally cool. Kids would really enjoy the nifty technology. It flows well, but I had a difficult time making sense of it with the missing history. The vocabulary is suitable for the target age group. The sets and lighting and background music are all spot on. No complaints about any of that. My only complaint is dropping into the middle of a series. Therefore, I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. I recommend that for festival viewing the earlier episodes be shown, if possible. I recommend it for ages 8 to 14. Reviewed by Angel U. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Jurors.
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